" a festival created to examine this topic and effect change" you meant AFFECT change, I'm sure.

Also yeah, this is completely self-important, it's fine to hold such and event, but don't puff it up in trappings and buzzwords that make it sounds as if you're going to save the world or innovate urban design and resource management.

I nominate the occupation of Wall Street - an amazing way to reshape the city and create deeply democratic places that attract hundreds of people using simple tents, cardboard, networks and people's creativity.

Before anyone does a parade, PLEASE check out the many types of floats, bands, marching groups, and such in New Orleans' Mardi Gras; also ask the Knights of Sparta about how their parades are always on time and work so well.